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Billboard Bits: Anita Baker, Wainwright, 'Cavett'

News on Anita Baker, Wainwright, 'Cavett'

Anita Baker has confirmed plans for something that's been a long time coming. With the exception of a handful of 2002 shows, a set of June and July dates mark the R&B artist's first scheduled outing in more than a dozen years.

The shows, which will feature Babyface as a special guest, come in support of Baker's Blue Note album "My Everything." Released in September 2004, the album peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 4 on The Billboard 200. It has sold 568,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Rufus Wainwright has been added to the bill for Elton John's July 4 Sunoco Philadelphia Freedom concert and fundraiser. As previously reported, the free concert in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is being staged to raise HIV/AIDS awareness, with 1.5 million expected to be on hand for the show and subsequent fireworks display.

In addition to John and Wainwright, the show will also feature performances Bryan Adams, Patti LaBelle and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, as well as participation by broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite.

In conjunction with the concert, the main atrium of the Philadelphia Museum of Art will host the Philadelphia Freedom Ball. That event is halfway to its goal of raising $2 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, with funds raised through tickets, sponsorships and concessions. Tickets and information can be found at Phillyfreedom.net.

-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.

Shout! Factory will on Aug. 2 release a triple-DVD set culling musical performances from "The Dick Cavett Show," which ran from 1969-1975. The collection boasts appearances by Paul Simon, George Harrison, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, Ravi Shankar, Jefferson Airplane, Sly & the Family Stone and David Crosby, among others. Cavett has also taped new introductions and reflections for the DVDs.